BluePearl Pet Hospital
Sandy Springs, GA
Our Vets

Dr. Jordan Ayers is passionate about all things oncology and really enjoys the bonds she forms with clients and patients. She has participated in research on mammary tumors, osteosarcoma, melanoma, gastrointestinal tumors and lymphoma.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
• Master of Science, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Residency, Medical Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, Denver, CO
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Ayers and her family love all water sports and help run a small water conservation non-profit. She has a mini cattle dog mix who enjoys snuggles and chasing lizards in the yard.

Dr. Nicole Block knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a young girl. Throughout high school and college, she worked at a very busy small animal practice, which solidified her love for veterinary medicine. She is excited to offer compassionate neurology care for pets in the Atlanta area. Her clinical interests include diagnosing and managing intervertebral disc disease, head trauma, inflammatory brain and spinal conditions and seizures.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
• Residency, Neurology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Neurology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center, Norwalk, CT
• Clinical Rotation, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, Grenada, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Asian Studies, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Dr. Block grew up on Long Island, New York. She served as captain of the women’s tennis team during her junior and senior years at Vassar College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two dogs (Bowser and Bucky). She loves playing tennis, being active and going to see live music.

Dr. Suzanne Bugbee is an intern in our neurology service.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Health, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Emma Carr is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include intervetebral disc disease, seizure management and traumatic brain injury cases.

• Internship, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Clinical Rotation, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee

Dr. Carr has a gray cat named Sterlin and an orange bobtail cat named Honey. She enjoys going on walks with Dr. Rothberger after work, hikes, playing soccer, eating good food and traveling.

Dr. Camila Carvajal is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include oncology, wound management and general practice. Dr. Carvajal likes helping pet owners navigate difficult decisions regarding their pets.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Baja California, Mexicali
• Bachelor of Science, Veterinary Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson

Dr. Carvajal enjoys cooking, yoga and running with her husband.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
• Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY

Dr. Erika Edmund is part of our emergency medicine training program for clinicians. Interested in all facets of emergency medicine, Dr. Edmund finds treating trauma cases especially gratifying.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA

When not at the hospital, Dr. Edmund enjoys traveling, trying new food, playing video games and hiking with her dog, a one-eyed Chihuahua-terrier mix.

Dr. Andrew Eitzer is interested in multiphase CT angiography for abdominal and thoracic vascular anomalies, parathyroid gland ethanol ablation to treat primary hyperparathyroidism and abdominal ultrasound to identify intraluminal foreign bodies.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology
• Residency, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Internship, Diagnostic Imaging, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA
• Master of Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Syracuse University, NY

Dr. Eitzer enjoys playing soccer and basketball, trying new beers, going to the movie theater and reading. His immediate family includes his fiancée and their two cats, Mimosa and Zinfandel.

Dr. Emily Flaherty is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include zoological, aquatic and wildlife medicine. She is particularly driven by improving the quality of life for geriatric patients and those with chronic conditions.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL

Dr. Flaherty loves snuggling with her orange tabby cat while reading fiction or playing video games. She also enjoys experimenting with baking bread and pastries, making crafts and hiking with her husband and labrador retriever.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Atlanta, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Animal and Veterinary Science, Clemson University, SC

Happiest outdoors, Dr. Forbes likes hiking, camping, skydiving or reading in a hammock. She’s also passionate about ultimate Frisbee and traveling. She has a red heeler dog named Ruby.

Dr. Lauren Fout is excited about the new developments in veterinary radiation therapy to include stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) protocols, both of which are types of nonsurgical radiation therapy that can deliver precisely targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy. She also has an interest in the use of both traditional western medicine and support therapy with integrated/nontraditional medicine for overall patient well-being.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Radiology-Radiation Oncology
• Residency, Radiation Oncology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Internship, Medical Oncology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Tampa, FL
• Internship, Medical Oncology, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Atlanta, GA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Nashville Veterinary Specialists, TN
• Master of Veterinary Biology, University College Dublin, Ireland
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Animal Health Technology, Murray State University, KY

Dr. Fout loves traveling internationally as well as exploring locally. Other interests include reading and baking. She has two rescue dogs, Sprockey and Muppet.

Dr. Morgan Garrow is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. She is particularly interested in emergency medicine, specifically coagulopathies, toxicities and infectious diseases.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Dr. Garrow has two cats, Luna and Bella, a chihuahua named Pepita and one son. In her free time, she enjoys having family time playing board games, puzzling and reading.

Dr. Rebecca Gelé is always ready to tackle challenging cases like immune-mediated diseases, diabetic ketoacidosis and Addisonian crisis. She doesn’t shy away from puzzling or complex illnesses.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
• Residency, Emergency & Critical Care, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Emergency & Critical Care, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville
• Bachelor of Science, Zoology, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Biophysics, Georgia State University, Atlanta

Dr. Gelé likes to travel and attend sporting events. An outdoor lover, she enjoys kayaking and hiking with her husband and two dogs. Emmy is an energetic, mid-size brindle herding mix who likes to run and play. Reese is a wire-haired Jack Russell mix who likes chasing squirrels, sunbathing and snuggling.

• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Seattle Veterinary Specialists, WA
• Clinical Rotation, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Master of Science, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honors), Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries University, Bidar, India

Dr. Handa’s favorite pastime is traveling, but she also enjoys sports, dancing and outdoor activities like hiking, river rafting and rappelling. She has two Labrador retrievers, Ruffles and Dave, and an adopted Kathiawadi horse named Optimus.

Dr. Cassidy Harris is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. She hopes to eventually specialize in dermatology and has a particular interest in the management of autoimmune diseases.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Spellman College, Atlanta, GA

In her free time, Dr. Harris enjoys practicing vinyasa yoga and doing puzzles. She has a cockapoo named Hugie and two cats named Honeybee and Henry. One of her goals is to teach herself how to embroider. Fun fact about Dr. Harris: she has been plant-based since 2011.

Dr. Stanley Hunter enjoys all aspects of emergency medicine.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Dr. Hunter likes watching sports to include football, basketball, tennis, golf and cheering on the Yankees.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)
• Residency, Small Animal Surgery, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Fellowship, Orthopedics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Internship, Small Animal Surgery, Veterinary Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Annapolis Junction, MD
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Alex Jarrell is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. His clinical interests include orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal diseases.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Master of Science, Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville

Dr. Jarell is the oldest of four (one brother and identical twin sisters) and has two cats named Tux and Darwin. He enjoys spending time with friends and playing Dungeons & Dragons. He is a huge metalhead and loves going to metal concerts.

The diagnosis and treatment of head trauma and neuromuscular disease drew Dr. Johnson to the specialty of veterinary neurology and neurosurgery.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
• Residency, Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Bachelor of Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando

An active sportsman, Dr. Johnson enjoys golf, tennis, and competing in triathlons. But even more so, he enjoys the company of his wife and their three children.

Dr. Danielle Laughlin is particularly interested in cardiac imaging using advanced echocardiography techniques and novel treatments for heart disease including new drugs and supplements to support patients with chronic heart disease. She lectures nationally on the management of heart disease in dogs and cats to help veterinarians better care for their patients. Discovering that your pet has heart disease can be overwhelming, but Dr. Laughlin enjoys working with her clients personally to help them manage their pets’ care and provide their pets with the best quality of life for as long as possible.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
• Residency, Cardiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus
• Bachelor of Arts, Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, OH

In her free time, Dr. Laughlin likes to travel, cook and spend time with her family. She and her husband have three children, two patient terriers and one handsome cat.

Publications & Articles

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Bachelor of Science, Veterinary Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando

• Internship, Zoology, J. Duque Zoological Park, Bogotá, Colombia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia

Dr. Tiffany McAllister enjoys the variety that emergency cases bring. She finds it very rewarding to have the opportunity to help clients in their time of need work through a stressful situation with their pets.

• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Sandy Springs
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Iowa State University, Ames

Dr. McAllister has been a member of the Air National Guard since shortly before the 9/11 attacks. She stays active with CrossFit training and enjoys traveling to new places. Her personal goal is to hike to Mount Everest base camp. Rock and Sherman are her two rescue dogs.

Dr. Jesenia Mosqueda is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include zoological and aquatic medicine and wildlife conservation. She enjoys volunteering with veterinary organizations that give back to the community and traveling abroad on veterinary mission trips.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
• Bachelor of Science, University of Florida, Gainesville

Dr. Mosqueda has a leopard tortoise named Mochi and a chihuahua named Baby that is her heart dog. In her free time, she enjoys going to dance classes, trying new restaurants, traveling, being a plant mom and spending time with family and friends. Fun fact about Dr. Mosqueda: she spent a month with the Marine Mammal Center rescuing and rehabilitating California sea lions, elephant seal pups and harbor seal pups.

Within the internal medicine specialty, Dr. Olga Norris’ clinical interests include endocrine and gastrointestinal diseases. She especially enjoys feline medicine.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Master of Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham

Dr. Norris and her husband enjoy traveling, cooking and hiking. They have two poodles and a cat.

Dr. Alli Norton is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include medical and radiation oncology and keeping up with cutting edge research that helps to extend and enhance patients’ lives after they’ve been diagnosed with a terminal disease. She also enjoys emergency medicine and being a beacon of support and knowledge for owners and their pets in stressful situations

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Norton loves being outdoors, you can usually find her hiking, boating on Lake Lanier, skiing and working out or running. She also enjoys curling up on the couch with a good book and cuddling with her sassy black cat and stubborn golden retriever. When she’s not playing on an intramural sports team, she spends her weekend cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta United.

Dr. Courtney Paulis prides herself on learning the latest medical advancements to grow her knowledge and provide the best care for her patients. Her professional interests include wound repair and pediatric patient care.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, AL
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro

Dr. Paulis is married with a son. She has eight cats and three dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening and walking with her dogs.

Dr. Jennifer Pittman is particularly interested in the treatment of snake bites, sepsis and coagulation disorders.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care
• Residency, Emergency & Critical Care, University of Georgia, Athens
• Internship, Emergency & Critical Care, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Pittman is an accomplished violinist. She’s played since elementary school and has been a member of the Athens Symphony Orchestra since 1999. She enjoys traveling, scuba diving and the company of her three cats.

Dr. Sayra Reyes is particularly interested in gastrointestinal disease and toxicities.

• Internship, Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Grand Rapids, MI
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Bachelor of Science, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras

Dr. Reyes relaxes with a book or snuggles with her corgi-mix pooch named Kyler. She can also be found dancing with her husband.

Dr. Rothman Reyes knew he wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age and decided to focus on oncology after an influential externship during veterinary school. According to Dr. Reyes, a gratifying part of his job is advocating for patients and helping owners choose a treatment option that they’re comfortable with and prioritizes their pet’s quality of life.

• Master of Science, Comparative Oncology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Residency, Oncology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Internship, Oncology, BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital, Atlanta, GA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Bachelor of Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, University of Delaware, Newark

Northern Michigan is Dr. Reyes’ happy place. He enjoys going on road trips – both for hiking and exploring – with his pets, Aimée and Cyfri. He loves cooking and baking all types of different foods from French pastries to Korean kimchi. Dr. Reyes also enjoys playing tennis and going on runs around his neighborhood.

Dr. Isabel Rodriguez is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. She is most interested in medical oncology and how to tailor treatments for individual patients. She also has an interest in internal medicine.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
• Bachelor of Science, Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Rodriguez enjoys running, cooking and baking, photography, reading, exploring new restaurants and being a plant mom.

Dr. Emily Rothberger is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. Her clinical interests include orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

• Clinical Rotation, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Ross University, St. Kitts & Nevis, West Indies
• Bachelor of Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee

Dr. Rothberger has a fluffy cat named Oscar. She loves reading, crocheting and weightlifting in her spare time. After work, she enjoys going on walks with Dr. Carr.

Dr. Cassandra Ruthrauff enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons-Small Animal
• Residency, Surgery, Veterinary Surgical Associates, San Francisco, CA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Garden State Veterinary Specialists, Tinton Falls, NJ
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station

Dr. Ruthrauff enjoys watching professional sports, particularly New England teams, as well as playing soccer, wakeboarding and snowboarding. Her two dogs and two cats also keep her busy.

Dr. Leslie Shelnutt enjoys all aspects of internal medicine. Her particular interests include immune-mediated, infectious and gastrointestinal diseases.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
• Residency, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
• Internship, Emergency & Critical Care, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Sandy Springs, GA
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Agriculture, Animal Science, University of Georgia, Athens

Some of Dr. Shelnutt’s favorite pastimes include traveling, running and hiking. She has a Labrador named Gwen and mixed breed dog named Meredith.

Publications & Articles

Dr. Katie Thompson enjoys managing complicated cases like diabetic ketoacidosis, thoracic trauma/pleural effusion and lethal dose intoxications. She finds “quick fixes” such as abscesses, lacerations, jaw fractures and porcupine quills particularly gratifying. She is passionate about transfusion medicine and likes using blood products to save lives.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman
• Bachelor of Science, Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman

Dr. Thompson and her husband – a fellow WSU grad – have a six-year-old female calico cat they adopted from a shelter in Idaho.

Dr. Mary-Grace Trogdon is a small animal medicine & surgery intern. She is most interested in wildlife rehabilitation and loves to use her veterinary knowledge to give back to our environment.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens
• Bachelor of Science, Animal Health, University of Georgia, Athens

Dr. Trogdon enjoys gardening, reading, hiking and camping with her two dogs (Luna and Newt) and her fiance. She’s hoping to become a certified beekeeper in 2024.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
• Bachelor of Science, Integrative Biology, Auburn University, AL

Dr. Kevin Winkler enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery. He currently serves on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s disaster relief team.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Residency, Surgery, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
• Bachelor of Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Dr. Winkler and his wife have four children, two dogs and two cats. They enjoy traveling and following the Georgia Bulldogs.

Publications & Articles

After nine years as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, Dr. Jackie Wypij remains dedicated to teaching others and is often invited to speak at national veterinary conferences. She also continues to pursue additional training for herself and has earned certificates in grief counseling, online teaching and clinical and translational research methods. Dr. Wypij’s particular clinical interests include canine lymphoma and mast cell tumors; feline cancer of all types, especially oral; and palliative and hospice care.

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
• Residency, Oncology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Internship, Oncology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Internship, Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Kansas State University, Manhattan
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
• Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Daemen College, Amherst, NY

Dr. Wypij enjoys dancing the Argentine tango, hiking, camping or chasing after her two children.